Deputy Director, Southeast Asia & Oceania Division

Ministry of Trade and Industry; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Trade and Industry seeks a Deputy Director to lead a team advancing Singapore's economic engagement with Southeast Asia and Oceania. You will develop and implement strategies, engage international counterparts and coordinate with other ministries to shape Singapore's bilateral economic relations.

The role offers exposure to high‑level negotiations and policy leadership. Ideal candidates bring strong leadership, strategic thinking and experience in policy development, with a passion

Qualifications

• Experience in policy development and/or implementation preferred.
• Strong analytical and communication abilities.
• Experience leading teams.
• Interest in international affairs.

Responsibilities

• Analyse geostrategic developments and trends affecting flows of goods, services and investments.
• Formulate and review strategies and policies to advance Singapore's bilateral and plurilateral ties in SE Asia and Oceania.
• Lead negotiations with international counterparts.
• Network with foreign government and business representatives.
• Front MTI communications with stakeholders in government and public.
• Organise and represent MTI in visits, meetings and conferences.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

People skills

Policy development

Planning & organization

Job description

What the role is:

The Trade and International Economic Relations (TIER) cluster drives the formulation of Singapore'sforeign economic policy and advances Singapore's economic interests in the international economicarena. As a TIER officer in the Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) Division in the Ministry of Trade andIndustry, you will develop and implement Singapore's strategy of engaging the vibrant markets ofSoutheast Asia and Oceania. These include bilateral platforms, initiatives, economic agreements, andministerial visits.In this role, you will gain valuable experience in working in an international environment and shapingSingapore's bilateral economic relations with countries in the Southeast Asia and Oceania region. Youwill also develop first‑hand knowledge about your markets through official trips, study visits andbusiness missions.

What you will be working on:

As the Deputy Director, you will lead a dynamic and dedicated team responsible for advancing Singapore’s economic engagement with the vibrant markets of Southeast Asia and Oceania. You will work on creative and innovative initiatives with colleagues in MTI and our economic agencies that will develop your and your team’s international economic perspectives, capabilities and experience by:

• Analysing and assessing geostrategic developments and trends that affect the flows of goods,services, and investments;
• Formulating and reviewing strategies, policies and projects that enhance Singapore’s bilateraland plurilateral economic relations with Southeast Asia and Oceania, in consultation andcoordination with other Government ministries and agencies;
• Leading negotiations and discussions with international counterparts;
• Networking and developing connections with foreign government and businessrepresentatives;
• Fronting communications, consultations and engagements with key stakeholders in thebusiness community and general public;
• Organising and representing MTI in visits, meetings, negotiations and conferences.

What we are looking for:

We welcome interested applicants with positive and open attitudes, who want to learn and grow as a leader and steward of analysts, advocates and aggregators. We are looking for team players who will thrive in a fast‑paced environment with:

• Interest in international affairs and economic developments
• Strong analytical, writing, communication and people skills
• Planning and organisational skills, with attention to detail and ability to multi‑task
• Proven leadership and supervisory capabilities
• Prior experience in policy development and/or implementation a bonus

About Ministry of Trade and Industry

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) seeks to transform Singapore into a leading global city of talent, enterprise and innovation. Our mission is to promote economic growth and create good jobs to enable Singaporeans to improve their lives. In MTI, you can expect an exciting, challenging and rewarding career!